Log inSign up

Psalm 100 · a question people ask

Which gates and courts does the psalm mean in 100:4?

In the text

The psalm says only his: "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise" (100:4) (tap gates, courts). It doesn't name the temple, Jerusalem or Zion. Some other psalms that speak of courts do name a place. One speaks of "the courts of the LORD’s house, in the middle of you, Jerusalem" (Psalm 116:19). Another says, "Blessed is the one whom you choose and cause to come near, that he may live in your courts. We will be filled with the goodness of your house, your holy temple" (Psalm 65:4). Psalm 100 doesn't say whether it means the same place, and these notes don't name the gates for it.

The verses

“A Psalm of thanksgiving. Shout for joy to the LORD, all you lands!”
Psalm 100:1 · World English Bible
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, and bless his name.”
Psalm 100:4 · World English Bible
“in the courts of the LORD’s house, in the middle of you, Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!”
Psalm 116:19 · World English Bible
“Blessed is the one whom you choose and cause to come near, that he may live in your courts. We will be filled with the goodness of your house, your holy temple.”
Psalm 65:4 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Psalm 100

Psalm 100: Enter into his gates with thanksgiving

Psalm 100 is the only psalm whose title has todah, "thanksgiving" (100:1). Its seven calls go out to "all you lands" (100:1), and twice a line about the LORD opens with the same small Hebrew word, ki: "Know that the LORD, he is God" (100:3), and "For the LORD is good" (100:5).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekPsalm 100 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Psalm 100

All questions about Psalms →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions